Alan Cumming

Eli Gold

Biography

­Alan Cu­mming, who received a 2011 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor on a Drama Series for his work on “The Good Wife,” is an award-winning actor of stage and screen, producer, performer, writer and director who recently received Emmy, SAG and Satellite award nominations for his portrayal of political maverick, Eli Gold. In addition to serving as the host of the PBS drama, "Masterpiece Mystery," Cumming is also currently starring in “The Runaway,” a six-part television mini-series in the UK. Cumming has appeared in several other television series, including "Sex and the City," "Frasier," "Third Rock from the Sun," "The L Word," "Reefer Madness" and the mini-series "Tin Man."

In 2010, Cumming was seen on screen alongside Cher and Christina Aguilera in "Burlesque." He next lends his talents to the screen adaptation of “The Smurfs,” as the voice of Gutsy Smurf. He will also be seen later this year in the independent drama, "Maladies." His additional film credits include the film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," "Circle of Friends," "X2: X-Men United," the "Spy Kids" trilogy, "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," "Goldeneye," "Eyes Wide Shut," "Titus," "Emma," "Dare" and "Sweet Land." With Jennifer Jason Leigh he wrote, produced, directed and acted in "The Anniversary Party."

On Broadway, Cumming was heralded for his seminal performance as the Emcee in the 1998 revival of "Cabaret,” receiving a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award, among others. He has continued to work steadily in theater since, but highlights include the role of Dionysus in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Euripides' "The Bacchae," "Hamlet" at the Donmar Warehouse in London, and his performance in "Accidental Death of an Anarchist."
Cumming’s activism and passion for various civil rights and sex education causes have earned him many humanitarian awards, most notably GLAAD’s Vito Russo media award. He was made an O.B.E. (Officer of the British Empire) in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Cumming continues to tour the world with his critically acclaimed/award-winning cabaret show and contribute to his recently-launched obsession-based website, www.itsasickness.com.